MBIB News

An international team of researchers that included developers of the Phenix software suite performed an analysis of AlphaFold predictions, comparing them with both high-quality experimental data and experimentally determined structures. Their results led them to conclude that AI-based protein structure predictions are best considered to be exceptionally useful hypotheses, and that experimental measurements remain essential for confirmation of the details of protein structures.

The projects of 21 Biosciences Area scientists and engineers received funding through the FY24 Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program.

Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging (MBIB) Division Director Junko Yano has announced that staff scientists Greg Hura and Susan Tsutakawa have officially assumed the roles of MBIB Science Deputy and Head of the Structural Biology Department, respectively. They have been serving in these positions on an interim basis since August 2021.

A new study co-led by Graham Fleming, a senior faculty scientist in the Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging (MBIB) Division, and Krishna Niyogi, a faculty scientist in MBIB, reveals the precise molecular machinery that underpins photoprotective memory in green algae. The results may help scientists develop more productive plants and improve crop yields.

Several Biosciences Area personnel are among the 2023 Berkeley Lab Director’s Awards honorees. This annual program recognizes outstanding contributions by employees to all facets of Lab activities. A complete list of winners can be found here. The 2023 Director’s Achievement Awards ceremony will take place on November 8 from 3:00 – 4:15 PM in the Building 50 Auditorium and virtually on streaming.lbl.gov.